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What is a Fairy Tale?

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A fairy tale is a fictional story that may feature folkloric characters such as fairies, goblins, elves, trolls, witches, giants, and talking animals and enchantments, often involving a far-fetched sequence of events. The term is also used to describe something blessed with unusual happiness, as in "fairy tale ending" (a happy ending) or "fairy tale romance," though not all fairy tales end happily. Fairy tales are a genre in literature. They have their roots in the oral tradition. Fairy tales with very similar plots, characters, and motifs are found spread across many different cultures. Fairy tales also tend to take on the color of their location, through the choice of motifs, the style in which they are told, and the depiction of character and local color.

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Fairy Tales -- unbelievable stories featuring magic and the supernatural; a fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children; a fictitious, highly fanciful story or explanation; often begin with such formulas as "Once upon a time. . ." and “In a certain country there lived. . . .” Popular examples recount the supernatural adventures and mishaps of youngest daughters, transformed princes and mermaids

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A fairy tale is a story with magical elements. It's actually quite difficult to define this type of literature as many of the characteristics cross over into fables and folklore. But there are some common characteristics of fairy tales shared to a certain extent:

  • Set in the past
  • Use some form or variation of "Once upon a time"
  • Fantasy or make-believe elements
  • Enchanted setting - can include forests, castles, water or kingdoms
  • Clearly defined good and evil characters
  • Magical elements
  • Characters take on unusual forms (giants, witches, dwarfs, talking animals)
  • Groups of 3 (objects, people or events)
  • Clearly defined problem, climax and resolution
  • Most often they have a happy ending
  • Teach a lesson that is important to the culture it came from

Most importantly, fairy tales do NOT have to include a fairy!

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Common Elements of Fairy Tales

  • A fairy tale begins with "Once upon a time...”
  • Fairy tales happen in the long ago.
  • Fairy Tales have fantasy and make believe in them.
  • Fairy Tales have clearly defined Good characters

vs. Evil characters.

  • Royalty is usually present in a fairy tale, a beautiful princess/handsome prince.
  • There may be magic with giants, elves,

talking animals, witches or fairies.

  • Fairy tales have a problem that needs to be solved.
  • It often takes three tries to solve the problem.
  • Fairy tales have happy endings – “they all lived

happily ever after.”

  • Fairy tales usually teach a lesson or have a theme.

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Theme

A. Often universal in quality (That means all people are capable of relating to it, such as unfair treatment by a sibling.)

B. Generally obvious and straightforward

C. Usually deals with conflict or contrast, for example

      • good vs. evil
      • rich vs. poor
      • young vs. old
      • beauty vs. ugliness
      • weak vs. strong
      • innocence vs. wise.

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Plot (the storyline or events)

A. Quick, concise introduction

B. Logical, fast-paced development of events

C. Logical, abrupt ending after the climax or resolution of the problem

D. Satisfying, definite conclusion (universal happy ending)

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Characters

A. Stereotyped, one-dimensional

B. Can be animals or humans

C. Represent types; they are not developed as flesh-and-blood people.

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Setting: "anytime, anyplace" stories, although in the past and often include a castle, the woods, and a small hut in the woods.

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Style (word usage and structure of story)

A. Limited description and detail

B. Frequent use of rhyme and repetition

C. Events occur in patterns of 3, 7, 12, and 40 (This pattern also appears in Biblical stories and in Shakespeare.). The number 4

occurs in Asian Literature.

D. Reflects culture in which the story is found.

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Other characteristics

A. Main character (protagonist) is given a nearly impossible task to complete.

B. Evil character must be overcome by the hero/heroine.

C. No magic ever ultimately succeeds for the mean or cowardly or cruel individual.

D. Dark spells can only be broken by love or self-sacrifice.

E. Grace and strength are bestowed upon those who strive and keep an honest, kindly heart.

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